معرفی
Rachel Whitcomb is an Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Music Education at Duquesne University’s Mary Pappert School of Music (MPSOM). She specializes in early childhood and elementary general music methods, creativity, popular music pedagogies, and inclusive strategies for students with special needs. Her administrative roles include overseeing academic programs, strategic planning, and fostering community through events like convocations and DEIA initiatives. Whitcomb holds degrees from the University of Illinois (Ed.D.), Northwestern University (M.M.), and West Chester University (B.S.).
- Education:
- Ed.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- M.M., Northwestern University
- B.S., West Chester University
Her research emphasizes improvisation in elementary music education, preschool music development, and the role of rubrics in instruction. She has published in journals like Journal of Research in Music Education and presented globally. Whitcomb founded Musical Families, a program for young children and parents, and advocates for inclusive, culturally relevant music education.
Her awards include the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching (2019) and the Modern Band Higher Education Fellowship (2018). She has secured grants totaling over $150,000 for initiatives like the Early Childhood Music Program and a study abroad course in Ireland.
As an administrator, she collaborates with faculty to implement strategic goals and organizes community-building events. Her teaching includes courses on general music methods and modern pedagogical approaches.
